Healthcare for Aging and Senior Pets

 

Healthcare for Aging and Senior Pets

 

Did you know that November is Senior Pet Month?!  Veterinary medicine has advanced so much in the modern era that pets are living much longer than previously.  Senior pets have different needs than younger animals, so it is important to understand when your pet is a senior, signs that might be a cause for concern in aging pets, and what you can do to keep them  healthy and happy. 

 

 “When is my pet a senior?” 

This is a difficult question because species, breed, body size, and general health can greatly affect an animal’s lifespan.  The American Animal Hospital Association defines senior-status in dogs as the “last 25% of estimated lifespan through end of life” and the Feline Veterinary Medical Association defines senior-status in cats as “greater than 10 years of age.”  In my personal practice, we consider all animals over seven years of age “seniors” and we start to recommend more thorough exams and testing around this age in our patients.

 

“What signs do I look for that might be a cause for concern in my aging pet?”

Generally, I recommend focusing on three main areas in aging pets: mobility changes, sensory changes, and cognitive changes. 

·       Mobility changes may indicate pain, and pain should always be addressed if possible.   For dogs, watch for things like limping, difficulty going up stairs, difficulty getting footing on slick floors, or increased effort moving from lying down to standing.  For cats, watch for difficulty jumping like “scrambling up” with the back legs or for hesitancy jumping down.  You may also just notice that your senior pet does not want to interact and play like they did before, this can also be a sign of pain. 

·       Sensory changes you can observe as a pet-owner may be diminished hearing or vision.  Is your pet hesitant to go out in the dark or do they not recognize familiar people immediately anymore?  Does your pet sleep soundly when typically they would have been awoken by noise? 

·       Cognitive changes can often be difficult to spot.   Red flags that there may be cognitive decline include increased anxiety, new aggressive behaviors, disorientation, and even pacing and vocalizing at night.

 

“What can I do to keep my senior pet healthy and happy?”

There are many things you can do at home to keep your pets healthy and active as they age.  Some of these things include keeping them at a healthy weight, providing a source for daily low-impact exercise, and feeding a balanced senior diet (as recommended by your veterinarian).  You can also make changes in the home that may improve their comfort and quality of life as they age.  Many pets benefit from having non-slip surfaces which reduce the risk of falling.  You can add area rugs and runners to hard-surface floors.  Aging animals may have some difficulty seeing in low light, so it can be helpful to add lighting to areas that are dim in the home.  You may want to consider limiting access to stairs or providing ramps as an alternative if your senior pet is having mobility changes.

 

Most importantly, you should take your senior pet to your veterinarian at least twice a year for a full physical exam and any recommended testing.  Recommended senior testing may include things you are familiar with like heartworm and fecal testing, but your vet may also recommend things like additional bloodwork, urine testing, and blood pressure measurement.  Animals instinctively hide injury and illness and so often owners may not recognize disease until it is very advanced.  Veterinary exams and laboratory testing in aging animals may unmask disease early, which can lead to a better outcome and a longer life.  As veterinarians, we love partnering with our clients and their pets to make their golden years their best years!

 

-Katie Sizer, DVM

Haw River Animal Hospital